(ABC 6 News) — On Wednesday, the American Legion Riders in Albert Lea took one of their founders who is terminally ill on one more ride.

The Albert Lea American Legion Riders rode up to Thorncrest Senior Living Community to surprise Jim Hockenson, a veteran and longtime member of the American Legion.

Hockinson founded Albert Lea’s riding group with two other riders back in 2015. However, Hockinson was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer back in 2022 and is currently in hospice care. So, the group decided to take him out and do something that he loves: riding a motorcycle.

Over 20 riders were part of the group.

The group drove around Fountain Lake in Albert Lea, and Hockinson rode with his long-time friend and co-founder of the club, Wes Halverson.

Halverson said the ride was full of laughter and tears, but he was happy he got to enjoy the time with his friend.

“We enjoyed it. We did a lot of talking, a lot of laughing, a lot of crying,” Halverson said.

Hockinson enjoyed the ride and was happy to see all the love and support he had from his friends and family.

“It’s the most awesomest thing anybody’s ever done,” Hockinson said.

The American Legion Riders say that they are going to continue to be there for Jim, and they hope that they can take him on another ride soon.